Sanibel Air sponsors Cracker Fest

October 26, 2012

Sanibel Air Conditioning Inc. has become one of the top level sponsors for the fourth annual Sanibel Captiva Cracker Fest on Nov. 2 at the Bait Box on Periwinkle Way.

The donation includes a brand new air conditioning system, with installation, valued at more than $5,000. This is the third year Sanibel Air has supported this cause. The event includes a dinner, live music and dancing, live auction and raffles.

The annual event benefits Sanibel-Captiva chapter of Solutions to Avoid Red Tide (START). The organization is a state-wide non-profit foundation with a mission to improve the quality of our marine waters through research, public education and programs that restore marine habitat and preserve marine species.

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Proceeds from the event continues funding the coastal classroom program for Lee County schools, and the sustainable seafood program "Seafood Savvy" and other programs that benefit the local marine environment.

In addition to these programs, plans are in the works to create a beach monitoring network on Sanibel and Captiva that will provide knowledge of specific beach conditions during a red tide event, and the possibility of creating a marine studies scholarship with a portion of the 2012 proceeds.

"We really love this event. It brings together a great crowd, its laid back and fun and, of course, it has a really good cause, said Bryan Hayes, co-owner of Sanibel Air Conditioning. "For those of us who live and work on the islands, it's invaluable that we continue to come together to raise awareness and funds that help support causes that benefit our environment. We are always grateful to have the ability to do what we can and we look forward to another great Cracker Fest."